the question then begs how realistic is it that north korea would be a threat to the united states? >> through pro live raig they could be a threat to the united states. and if they were to hit our allies in the near range. in the south and also japan. those are the near-term risks. but proliferation could occur at any time. they were able to reach to hawaii ... bill: history shows they are not very good at this. are they getting better? >> only more tests will tell. you are correct history has shown it's been embarrassing for them. you would have to ask if you were rational why would you take a high-risk test like this with so many eyes watching? bill: you mentioned the obama administration. how are they reacting? was is our response? >> our response tends to look first to the yate united nation. there is talk of proportional sanctions being considered at the security council should north korea test. but it's clear that is not going to change the trajectory of north korea's per suit of a nuclear program. bill: steven yates, thank you. we are watching this, sometime we believe in th